Saragur: A wild elephant attacking and killing a farmer has been reported from Hirehalli in the Taluk.

It is reported that Ravikumar (40) used to guard his farmland during night following damage  to his cotton crops by wild animals at his land at Moleyuru Forest Zone, Hediyala Sub-Division, Bandipur Tiger Reserve Forest.

On Thursday night, when he went to his farm, a wild elephant which came in search of food, first destroyed his two-wheeler. On seeing this, Ravikumar tried to flee and the elephant attacked him killing him on the spot.

The forest officials, who visited the spot, reviewed the situation and after briefing their higher officials camped at the place of the incident.

Villagers protest

Alleging failure on the part of the Forest Department officials in preventing the menace of wild elephants, the villagers and farmers stated a protest on Friday.

“Wild animals are destroying the standing crops just before harvesting, causing enormous financial loss to farmers, who have borrowed lakhs or rupees as loans. Even though the farmers are guarding their crops, there is no end to crop loss. Forest officials must immediately take steps to put an end to the menace of wild animals,” demanded the protesting farmers.

Zilla Panchayat former member P. Ravi said that the menace of wild animals had increased in areas bordering forests.

“It has become extremely difficult for farmers to grow crops at these places and farmers are in debts following crop loss. Now, we have lost a farmer who was guarding his crop. The Forest officials must take immediate steps to stop the menace of wild animals,” he appealed.

Conservator of Forests (CF) K.P. Ramesh and Conservator of Forests (ACF) Paramesh, who came to the protest spot, said that the Forest Department has taken steps to prevent the menace of wild animals.

 “We have submitted a proposal to install rail barricades. The Government will pay Rs.15 lakh as compensation to the family of the deceased farmer and also pay a pension of Rs. 4,000 per month for 5 years to the wife of deceased Ravikumar,” they said and gave a cheque for Rs. 5 lakh as advance compensation.

Following this, the farmers withdrew their protest. The body of Ravikumar was taken to Saragur Hospital and after post-mortem was handed over to the members of his family.

A case has been registered at Saragur Police Station.

Karnataka Rajya Raitha Kalyana Sangha President Chandangowda visited the family of the deceased and offered his condolences.

Farmer leaders Annaiahswamy, Bhimaraj, Gunapal, G. Krishna, Gram Panchayat Vice-President Devadas, members Bettaswamy, Ajit, Nagendra, Nagesh, Kalaswamy, Abhikumar, Siddappa, Dy.SP Mahesh, SI Lakshmikantha, Subramanya, Range Forest Officers (RFOs) and other Department officials were present at the protest spot.